May, 2009:
Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Forest
This is wonderful neighborhood with easy access to parks, bike
trails and jogging paths. These homes have generous proportions and
ample lots.
Heading south from Old Town Alexandria, one will encounter Westgrove first. Westgrove’s homes, many built in the fifties and sixties, are sturdy, brick homes with tasteful, colonial touches. Like much of New Alexandria, Westgrove lies below the uplands, but still well outside most of the River’s floodplain.
Villamay homes are perched on the bluff, and many have wonderful vistas to the River and beyond the Potomac to Maryland. Villamay homes are often split level characterized by enormous rooms with a thoroughly modern feel.
Marlan Forest, as the name implies, is a bit more wooded than Villamay and
Westgrove. The lots are large and most have towering hardwoods. The
entire neighborhood is quiet, elegant and highly desirable. Check here
for a look at sales and prices in Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Heights.
A tour of Crystal City
Crystal City is located in Arlington County Virginia between the Potomac River and the neighborhood of Aurora Highlands.
In many ways, Crystal City is a transportation hub. Crystal City well served by mass transit with easy access to the metro at the Crystal City Metro stop and many bus stops in the area. In addition to land transportation, Crystal City is served by Reagan National Airport. Jefferson Davis Highway / Rt. 1 is a main artery here, as is I-395.
 In addition to Jefferson Davis Highway, one of the main thoroughfares in Crystal City is Crystal Drive. Crystal Drive runs parallel to Rt.1 from north to south through Crystal City. Many of Crystal City’s most desirable homes are found on Crystal Drive including Crystal Gateway and Waterford House.
The Shops of Crystal City are accessible from Crystal Drive and from many other locations in Crystal City. |
Crystal Drive is generally uncongested and offers a wide choice of restaurants and shops.
One of the nicest things about Crystal City is the abundance of greenery in this urban setting. Crystal City manages to be convenient, metro accessible, full of high-rises, shops and restaurants, but home to many trees and parks.
Crystal City is connected by a network of tunnels and shops both below grade and indoors that make Crystal City a walker’s paradise.
These passages network the shops of Crystal City to Crystal Drive and the Crystal City Metro Stop and more.
Pleasant sidewalks follow alongside the broad avenues of Crystal City.
From the skyline of Crystal City to the shops in the heart of Crystal City, this is a pleasant and convenient place to work and live.
Even the shops below-grade are well-lit and feel open and friendly. Crystal City is a well-planned community.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
How may an appurtenant easement be terminated?
An appurtenant easement can be released by the dominant estate. An appurtenant easement is also released if the necessity for the easement
no longer exists. An appurtenant easement is one of two primary types
of easements. The other type of easement is an easement in gross. An
easement in gross is attached to a particular person but the
appurtenant easement is attached to a particular parcel of land. Either
of these types of easements may be created in a variety of ways (express grants, express reservation, necessity, implication, prescription, agreement, and by condemnation). Each may also be terminated in a variety of ways (lack of necessity, merger, release, abandonment, destruction, court order).
I rang the bell at the Hume School!
The oldest school building in Arlington County houses the Arlington Historical Museum. The Arlington Historical Museum is owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society, a group of concerned local citizens that conduct research and to preserve and disseminate knowledge relating to the history, archaeology, material culture, and geographical and socio-economic development of Arlington County, Virginia.
I recently stopped by the Arlington Historical Museum and took a quick tour of the exhibits therein. The museum is located at 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road. The location is relatively close to the Pentagon City and Crystal City metrorail stations but sits up on the ridge overlooking Crystal City. The setting is very pleasant and the views here toward Crystal City are very pleasant.
The building itself was the Hume School, named for Frank Hume who gave some of the property for the school. The museum features a working classroom as it might have appeared when the building was used as a school. The building is designated a Virginia State Historical Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Sites.
The museum is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. If you enjoy local history this is a worthwhile stop. The society’s phone number is 703-892-4204.
I didn’t take any pictures inside the building … for a reason. I wanted to tempt you to come in and take a look around. As I was about to leave one of the members of the historical society invited me to ring the school bell before I left! I can proudly say that I have rang the bell at the Hume School.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Is now the time to buy? Perhaps especially so for first-time buyers.
Check out this important clip from the Wall Street Journal. Is now the time to buy? For first time home buyers, now may be the best time ever. With mortgage rates at record lows and the $8,000 first-time home-buyer credit set to expire Nov. 30, Ronald Phipps, first vice president of the National Association of Realtors, explains to Kelsey Hubbard why now is a good time to enter the housing market. Of course, your individual situation is the most important thing, but when you consider the inventory of homes available and your tax credit, it might be the perfect time. According to Phipps, the average home owner is 38 times wealthier than the average renter. When you look at the long term that is another compelling reason to consider a home purchase now.
What is a home inspector?
I like experts who speak in plain English that’s easy for a layman to understand. That’s why Bob Murphy of Camelot Inspections is one of my favorite home inspectors and I’ve recommended him to many home buyers.
What is a Home Inspector?
I recently asked Bob to describe a home inspector to me. He said, “A home inspector is generalist with a trained eye. They are required to have some knowledge of every system in your home. Those systems include structure, plumbing, electrical, Heating and A/C, etc. The term ‘house detective’ is a very fitting description. We look for little clues that add up to a big picture called ‘whole house phenomenon’.”
People hire home inspectors because, “A buyer needs a home inspection to give them some knowledge of what they are buying before it becomes theirs. This includes knowledge of defects, upgrades, and maintenance cost.”
As you might expect, Bob is pretty passionate about home inspection. He says, “The home inspection should be a required part of the transaction. The appraisal,title search, and even termite inspection are required. Why?? To protect the lender! So who is there to protect the interest of the buyer?”
Alana, meet Bob
Recently, Alana H. was referred to me by a prior client and frankly she was one of the nicest clients I’ve ever had the honor of serving. After her purchase was negotiated she requested a home inspector so I recommended Bob’s services. Alana was a first-time home buyer, so she wanted Bob to give her new home the once-over.
Bob told her, “Food for thought….You cannot buy a car and register it without an inspection. That is a matter of public safety.
“So why then is the public permitted to make the biggest purchase of their lives without an inspection?”
Bob meets the house
Bob has seen many immediate safety issues in all types of houses. Bob met Alana and I at her new townhouse in Reston VA. He immediately unpacked his gear and began to go to work. Like any good home inspector, Bob started with the exterior and checked out the house from the foundation to the roof. He checks downspouts, guttering and any potential problem or maintenance issues.
After getting inspecting the home’s interior Bob goes to work on the interior. He pulls out the flashlight and pokes around in dark corners, in the attic and in the crawl space. As he works Bob shows the homeowner what he’s doing and where potential problems can hide.
As part of his general practice Bob pulls the electrical box, checks the plumbing and applicances. He checks out major systems like the heating and air conditioning.
Bob is especially helpful with the first-time home buyer. As a first-time buyer, you’ll find out what systems need attention. If you have and questions, ask Bob, he’s there to help.
When all is said and done, Bob will prepare a report tailored to your home, so you’ll know exactly where you stand. He supplies a helpful book with tips and answers to some of the questions you might not even remember to ask.
It’s always good to learn that the home is in good shape! Bob is available to inspect houses, townhouses or single family homes in Maryland or Northern Virginia.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
The Art of the Price
Pricing is an art form that requires experience, a delicate touch and an understanding of what sets the price in your condominium community. If you need to sell your condo quickly: don’t reach for the highest price you could expect. Aggressive prices rarely sell quickly. On the other hand, there is no need to panic or become desperate. Don’t price too low and walk away from your equity. Price is very important, but if there is no market for your condo, you won’t get more market by giving away your equity. In a slower market, it’s a good idea to remain patient.
Your Condo Alexandria agent can help you price your condo right. It’s true that price is often is the biggest differentiator in a tight market. But, your Condo Alexandria agent has proven strategies to move your condo quickly if you need to pull out in a hurry.
Cameron Station lobbies at Main Street
The lobbies at Main Street condos in Cameron Station are generally immaculate and nicely appointed. The elevators are pleasant and will not disappoint even the pickiest discriminating buyers.
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 14.
See more Cameron Station Condominiums.
(all data current as of
5/17/2012)
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$430,000 : 5081 Donovan Dr #184, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$299,900 : 400 Cameron Station Blvd #311, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$399,900 : 171 Somervelle St #405, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$265,000 : 4950 Brenman Park Dr #103, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths
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$495,900 : 165 Martin Ln #541, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
The differences between cities, counties, towns and unincorporated settlements in Virginia
For many, especially those who are new to the area, the system of jurisdictions that we have in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be confusing. This is especially confusing in Northern Virginia, where
Virginia intersects with Washington DC and the State of Maryland.
Fortunately I have a fresh bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON to spray liberally as needed.
Around our nation’s capital
Let me start with my single-biggest pet peeve among newcomers: the term “DC proper”.
I have seen this term used regularly on a site that claims to provide local information. That information is provided by people using anonymous handles. Anonymous handles should be your first clue not to completely trust the information you find.
At any rate: there is no such thing as “DC proper”. There are three main jurisdictions here: Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.
It is very common to live in Northern Virginia or Suburban Maryland and work in DC. Virginia is as different from DC as New Jersey is from New York. With a wink and a smile I have to inform you that just because you thought your job was transferring to Washington doesn’t mean that you’re moving to DC proper or improper.
Virginia jurisdictions
One of the keys to understanding Virginia real estate for a property search is to understand the differences between towns, counties and cities. In Virginia, as in most other states in the US, a county and an area administer below the state-level by local / county government.
Counties are often rural areas, but Fairfax County has over a million
residents and has very little rural land left.
Fairfax County aside, a county may have one or more towns within it’s borders. In Virginia a town, no matter how many people live in that town, is part of a county and is managed by the county. In Virginia, towns often have governments but these governments are subordinate to and part of the
county where the town is found.
In addition to counties, Virginia has a fairly unique concept called a city. A city is like a county, except it is more urban than rural.
For example Falls Church and Alexandria are both cities. Cities, unlike towns, are not subordinate to counties. Cities are independent and operate on a level similar to counties.
This can be particularly confusing in Fairfax County. Fairfax County is a large mostly urban county and it surrounds Fairfax, an independent city. So the City of Fairfax is surrounded by Fairfax County, but it’s not a part of Fairfax County. Falls Church, Alexandria and Fairfax are
all cities. Manassas and Manassas Park are both cities, and both are surrounded by Prince William County.
Real estate is sorted by county
It’s important to understand this system of administrative organization because land tax records are stored by the county or city. Because tax records are organized by the county or city, real estate property searches are often sorted by the administrative jurisdiction.
For a newcomer it can be a little difficult to tell the difference between Fairfax and Fairfax County, between Manassas and Manassas Park and Prince William County. Another point of confusion is Arlington. Arlington is a city in a practical sense, but Arlington is a county.
Herndon, Vienna and Clifton are all towns located in Fairfax County, which mean that these towns have local governments subordinate to the county. Springfield is much bigger than Clifton, but Springfield is not a town.
Another curious case is Crystal City. Crystal City is located in Arlington County. Interestingly, Crystal City is not a city nor is it a town!
Unincorporated settlements
Which brings us to the next point of confusion in the area. There are many unincorporated neighborhoods, villages, towns and settlements in Northern Virginia. Unincorporated just means there is no local (i.e. town) government. Rather than having a town government, an unincorporated town is managed by the county. Springfield, Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, Mclean Tysons Corner and Reston are just a few of the many unincorporated towns in Fairfax County. In places like Springfield this can be a little confusing because without a town there is no formal border between Franconia and Springfield and thus no hard and fast distinction between the two. In addition, with the near completion of Kingstowne, Franconia-Springfield is now home to one of the largest planned
communities/subdivisions in the area. Kingstowne is considered a town in and of itself by many.
Post office address
To make matters even more confusing for newcomers, there is the matter of the post office. The postal address of a property is not always an indicator of the jurisdiction of a property. For example,
many addresses in Fairfax County have an Alexandria address. Service from the Alexandria post office has no bearing on the county or city of the address in question.
Confusion-B-Gon guarantee!
Well, that’s the last of this bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON. If you’re still confused, no worries. Contact Will Nesbitt or Condo Alexandria. Tell us what you seek and we’ll find the property for you!
Will Nesbitt
